MSc Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

University of Salford

MSc Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

This programme is one of very few in the UK that it is now double accredited by both CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Chain Management) and CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport)

Enhance your employability and prepare for a managerial, consulting or operational role

Put logistics theory into real practice with an exciting Business Innovation Project

Part-time study option

Overseas study available

Work/industrial placement opportunity

International students can apply

Course Summary

This programme will encourage and challenge you to develop your knowledge and skills in global procurement, logistics and supply chain management. Our teaching team is research active and you will learn from them the up-to-date theoretical knowledge in areas such as automation and artificial intelligence. You will also look at the opportunities and challenges provided by Big Data Analytics, the Internet of Things, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, and robotics. Our expertise is supported by input from industry partners such as Jaguar Landrover, Brother International and Manchester Airport who have helped to develop the programme.

There is substantial technical context and input in the areas of Demand Forecasting, Inventory Management, Process/Supply Chain/Logistics Optimisation, and Analytics. In particular, the module “Advanced Logistics and Project Management” brings together two very important skills widely sought after in the industry.

You will be encouraged to broaden your horizons by going beyond the academic literature to look at the very latest developments published in the relevant trade press. You will also be challenged to consider the ethical implications of global sourcing, for example looking at global catastrophic events in relation to production and service provision.

As well as learning from academics, you will have the opportunity to learn from other students, from expert guest lecturers and from your interaction with the two professional bodies, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) at conferences, invited events and more.

The course also offers a distance learning option through our official partner Robert Kennedy College, Zurich, Switzerland.

Course Details

The programme is block delivered and there are several entry points throughout the year. Students will take the modules below in a sequence dependent on their start date.

The course is delivered in four blocks of intensive study periods. For each block, you study a single module for a 6-week period. Face-to-face teaching is delivered on campus for 6 hours each week. In addition, you will attend the taught element of the Business Innovation Programme one afternoon a week during the 6-week blocks.

Part-time students study alternate modules (one module on, one module off) to complete their degree in two years.

During this period, you will also undertake independent study in your own time with online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard.

For the final third of your studies, you will work on your Business Innovation Project, working with your own or another organization on a live brief.

Semester 1

Global Supply Chain Management

Operations and Information Management

Semester 2

Procurement Risk and Contract Management

Advanced Project and Logistics Management

Semester 3

Business Innovation Project (BIP)

This module accounts for the final 60 credits of your degree. You will have the opportunity to select a live project, placement, internship or dissertation, all of which are designed to accommodate your career aspirations and enhance your professional experience.

You will be allocated a supervisor who will mentor you through the BIP project. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the Student Hub and Student Life. Student Life can help with pre-project/placement support for students and opportunities for those going on placement to participate in training workshops to ensure best practice. The Student Hub can help you to find internships, placements, and live projects for your Business Innovation Project.

Entry Requirements

Normally a minimum 2:2 honors degree or equivalent or successful completion of the Graduate Certificate.

A wide range of professional qualifications is also accepted either in partial or complete fulfillment of entry requirements.

Where a student has gained a recognized Honours degree but does not meet the normal entry qualification requirement, they may still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate relevant work experience of a minimum two years duration post study and acceptable level of responsibility.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

English Language Requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.5 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this.

If the English language qualification is slightly below this level candidates may be able to take one of the many English courses available in the University.

Suitable for

This course is ideal for graduates who want to establish a career in procurement, logistics and supply chain management, or for existing managers who wish to develop their skills and enhance their future career prospects.

Applicant Profile

Procurement and logistics is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and this course is ideal if you are looking to build a career in this dynamic sector. Your background may be in shipping, logistics or general business.

Fees 2018-19

Full-time: £8,550

Part-time: £1,425 per 30 credit module

Full-time International: £14,400

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Teaching

Face to face teaching is delivered on campus for two half days each week. In addition, you will attend the taught element of the Business Innovation Programme each Wednesday afternoon during the 6-week blocks, with an independent study completed in your own time through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard. Individual student timetables will be provided during induction week.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, using a wide range of learning activities.

Assessment

Over the duration of your course, a range of assessment techniques will be used. Types of assessment include; essays, assignments, exams, multiple choice tests, online tests, group reports, and portfolio work. The weighting between exams and coursework varies between modules and years.

Career Prospects

Our graduates are highly sought after in many countries for their knowledge and passion for the procurement and supply business.

Links with Industry

The University of Salford grew out of the institutes of the late 19th century that provided a talented, technically proficient and professional workforce to support the UK’s rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, this still holds strong. Whilst industry has changed significantly, the need for industry-focused education is equally relevant today.

We teach the skills that employers need and as a result, our graduates enjoy excellent international career prospects.

The curriculum across our postgraduate courses balances academic teaching and professional experience. Our industry partners give us their input into the curriculum so that the teaching reflects industry’s current and future needs and you develop the skills that employers want. The Business Innovation Project, which forms the final third of your study, is designed to give you real-world experience so you can apply the theory you have learned.